Here is a preview of TangoDown’s new SCAR panels. Originally developed for FN’s SCAR program, they have actually been around for a couple of years but were not available to the public. Since I’ve been using them since early 2007, some of you sent emails asking what they were and where to get them after noticing them in photos on my site. Well, they will finally be released commercially in a few months. While I like TangoDown’s original rail panels, I REALLY like the new ones. Thinner, lighter, grippier, faster…well, maybe not faster, but the first three.

The Addax GPU (Gas Piston Upper) from Addax Tactical is a series of complete uppers utilizing the Primary Weapon Systems (PWS) AR-15 gas piston conversion system combined with high-quality AR-15 parts and components. Addax Tactical is a certified PWS gas system conversion installer, but they wanted to take it a step further. Instead of only assembling components into complete uppers, Addax has been working with PWS to make some refinements to the system which are seen here on their Combat GPU.

When I reviewed the OTB Tactical Water Boots above a year ago, I mentioned to Dan Ellis that it’d be cool to see land versions of these boots. Apparently, quite a few people were thinking the same thing, as Dan said that a line of land boots was in the works. Well, OTB Boots recently released their line of Tactical Land Boots, two of which are based on their Tactical Water Boots and the third a completely different boot.

The three Land Boots are the Bushmaster, Ferdelance (named after members of the viper family) and Thor TC. The Bushmaster is a mid cut 7″ boot while the Ferdelance is a taller (approx 9″) combat boot suitable for uniform wear. Both are available in Black and Desert Tan. The Thor TC is a mid cut boot that is patterned after a climbing boot, and designed for speed and agility. It comes in Black and Camel/Black. The black boots are aimed more at SWAT/law enforcement and foreign militaries that use black boots, while the tan versions are already in use in Iraq.

Just in time for the holidays, Original S.O.E. Gear is putting out these manly Xmas stockings, fit to hang above any tactical fireplace. Made of Crye MultiCam cordura (and other colours), these stockings can be loaded up with heavy presents like ammo, knives, and all those manly toys that we like. The stockings come in two different colours of felt trim and two different sizes. There are two velcro panels sewn on, for nametapes or flags, or IR markers in case Santa uses NVGs to get around a dark living room. For the greedy folk, there are three rows x four columns of PALS on the front for additional goody-holding pouches on the larger stocking, and three columns on the small one.

From Mil-Spec Monkey (MSM) comes the MSM Loop Panels. These are used for holding items in position within loop velcro-lined compartments in bags, packs etc. MSM noticed more gear utilizing loop velcro areas for modular attachments but also noticed that there was a lack of good modular attachments on the market. So, he designed these.

Two additions to TAD Gear’s rapidly expanding line of Merino Wool products are the Brain Case Watch Cap and Proline Neck Gaiter. Both are made from the finest Australian Merino Wool and are available in Black, M.E. Green and M.E. Brown.
As I’ve mentioned in previous writeups, I have very sensitive skin and am in the small minority that can find some Merino wool slightly irritating, while most other people won’t. To date, I have found all of TAD Gear’s Merino wool products to be itch-free and non-irritating, which to me, is a testament to the fineness of the Merino wool fibers used in their construction.